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ADEQ wants people to limit fireworks in metro Phoenix because of air quality

Saturday is New Year’s Eve, and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality is asking residents to limit lighting fireworks through the rest of the weekend. 

Meteorologist Matt Pace says there is a PM 2.5 high pollution advisory  for Saturday and Sunday. The fireworks expected on New Year's Eve can only make it worse. 

“The good news this year is we are seeing rain that’s going to move into the Valley by the morning hours of New Year’s Day, and that should help clear things out. But unfortunately the damage is probably already going to be done," Pace said. 

This is the second weekend in a row with this advisory. Pace says these advisories are usual for this time of year due to increased fireplace and  fireworks use. But Christmas weekend set a record for the highest levels of smoke seen in the Valley on those days.

Jill Ryan joined KJZZ in 2020 as a morning reporter, and she is currently a field correspondent and Morning Edition producer.